has gone mad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gone mad" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is behaving in a wild, chaotic, or irrational manner. Example: "Ever since he lost his job, Frank has gone mad with worry and has been making impulsive decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Has the world has gone mad?

The Guardian - Opinion

"She has gone mad.

The New Yorker

He has gone mad.

The New Yorker

Nietzsche has gone mad.

The New York Times - Arts

Abu Zubayr "has gone mad.

The Washington Post

I think the world has gone mad".

The Economist

The world, he insisted, "has gone mad".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Otis had gone mad.

The New Yorker

He may have gone mad.

The New Yorker

I'd have gone mad.

Independent

Politicians have gone mad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has gone mad", consider the context and audience. While widely understood, its intensity can vary, so choose it when you want to emphasize a significant departure from rational behavior or sanity.

Common error

Avoid using "has gone mad" in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or clinical term might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "has become unstable" or "is experiencing a mental health crisis" for greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone mad" functions primarily as a predicate within a sentence, describing a state of extreme irrationality or mental instability that a subject has entered into. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has gone mad" is a common expression used to describe someone exhibiting irrational or erratic behavior, suggesting a loss of sanity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. Analysis reveals it is most prevalent in News & Media, Wiki. When aiming for more formal or nuanced communication, alternatives like "has become unstable" or "is experiencing a mental health crisis" may be more suitable. While widely understood, it's crucial to consider the context and audience when using "has gone mad", ensuring sensitivity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has gone crazy

A more general term for erratic or irrational behavior.

has lost it

Focuses on the loss of control or composure, suggesting a temporary state.

has snapped

Implies a sudden and often irreversible break from reality or reason.

is out of their mind

Emphasizes a departure from rational thought or behavior.

has become unhinged

Highlights a loosening of mental stability or emotional control.

is not in their right mind

A more formal way of saying someone is acting irrationally or foolishly.

has become deranged

Suggests a severe state of mental disturbance, often with violent undertones.

has gone off the deep end

Suggests a dramatic and often sudden descent into madness or irrationality.

has flipped

Informal term implying a sudden change in mental state, often towards irrationality.

has gone bananas

A playful way of saying someone is behaving wildly or excitedly.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "has gone mad"?

Saying someone "has gone mad" means they are behaving irrationally, erratically, or have lost their sanity. The intensity of the phrase can vary depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "has gone mad" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "has become unstable", "is experiencing a mental health crisis", or "has decompensated".

Is it appropriate to use "has gone mad" in professional settings?

While understandable, "has gone mad" may be too informal or insensitive for professional settings. Opt for more neutral phrases to maintain objectivity and respect.

How does "has gone mad" differ from "has gone crazy"?

"Has gone mad" and "has gone crazy" are similar, but "has gone mad" often implies a more severe or dramatic loss of sanity, sometimes with violent connotations. "Has gone crazy" can be used more casually for wild or excited behavior.